The Toms River North field hockey team gets ready to start play against Southern on Sep. 26, 2017(Photo: Sherlon Christie/Staff Photographer)

Analysis

After reviewing this year's SCT, it appears that the SCT committee and the Asbury Park Press agree that Rumson-Fair Haven, Shore, Southern and Colts Neck, in that order, are the four best teams in the Shore Conference right now.

Those squads were seeded No. 1 to No. 4, and if the bracket doesn't get overwhelmed with upsets, it should be two exciting games in the SCT semifinals this season.

Toms River North, which is ranked No. 7 in the latest APP Top 10, earned the No. 6 seed from the SCT committee as the Mariners have only lost one game, which was a 3-1 loss to Southern. If Toms River North and Southern each handle their business in their first round games, they'll meet in the SCT quarterfinals for a rematch.

Point Pleasant Boro, which got off to an 11-0 start this season before a 4-3 overtime loss to Pinelands, was selected for the No. 7 seed. The Panthers recently dropped out of the APP Top 10 after that loss. But they can earn their way back into the rankings with a strong SCT run.

Red Bank Catholic, which is having one of its best seasons in school history, snagged the No. 8 seed. Meanwhile, Pinelands, with its recent streak of success was slotted for the No. 9 seed and Ocean got the No. 10 seed.

Overall, 22 teams qualified for the SCT this season, which an increase of one team from 2016.